Wayne Rooney's future at Manchester United will be cemented by the imminent arrival of Juan Mata with the club ready to enter into talks over a new deal following the addition of the Spanish playmaker, The Daily Mirror report.

The 25 year old is expected to become United's record signing after Chelsea accepted a £37m offer for the Spaniard's services on Wednesday.

Mata's albeit peripheral role for the Blues has seen him occupy a similar position to Rooney, sparking suggestions the England striker could make way in the summer 12 months on from being linked with moves away from Old Trafford.

However, the addition of Mata will only see United swell their attempts to keep Rooney, who has 18 months to run on his current contract.

United rejected two offers from Chelsea last summer for Rooney and the club's hierarchy made it clear they were unwilling to sell to a rival Premier League side.

Rooney has scored nine goals in 17 league appearances for United this season but has only played once in 2014 after picking up a groin injury in the New Year's Day loss to Tottenham Hotspur and joins Robin van Persie on the side-lines with the Dutchman having missed the last six weeks.

Manager David Moyes said earlier this month on Rooney's contract: "We would have to wait and see what happened in that situation. I think if you look at his performances he's certainly playing at his best."

Upon handing in a transfer request in 2010, Rooney questioned the club's ambition under Sir Alex Ferguson and despite an insipid summer transfer window, the addition of Mata could leave the 27 year old with no doubt over the club's future intentions.

Having returned to training this week Rooney is in contention to play against Cardiff City next week in what would be a much needed boost to Moyes after he watched United fall out of contention for a third trophy within the first three weeks of the year after exiting the League Cup.